There's not a whole lot of makers I know who like wasting their leftover supplies. Oftentimes, we have bins sitting around filled with scraps of supplies we don't have enough of to make a full product, but we hesitate to throw anything away. Amiright, makers??
As a crocheter, there's ALWAYS yarn left over after I complete a project. I make 100's of cotton cloths for a sweet little store in northern Texas called The Humble Life, so I'm constantly throwing the butts of my skeins in a big bin where they all pile up and get tangled together. I've been wanting to do something with these cotton scraps for quite some time. I figured, "Okay, so I can't make a full cloth with each piece in this bin, but I CAN crochet these scraps together and make a simple, random, multicolored cloth." So, that's what I did. And y'all...who knew scraps could make SO. MANY. CLOTHS!!! After seeing how many cloths are piling up, I'm SO GLAD I didn't throw these bits and pieces away!
My biggest concern (because I'm a perfectionist) was that they would LOOK like scrappy cloths, but y'all...I was pleasantly surprised to see that they weren't scrappy looking at all! I now truly believe that scrap yarn projects make the prettyiest, most interesting projects!
After posting my scrap cloths on Instagram and receiving well over a shocking 1400 likes, it seems y'all liked the idea juuuuust a little bit. Many of you started asking for the pattern. It's real simple, you guys, so I figured I'd write a quick blog and share the pattern for free.
As a bonus, because seriously...the pattern is SO SIMPLE...I decided to throw in a pdf download of some packaging wraps similar to the ones I use on mine. Feel free to print and cut them out and wrap your cloths in them so they're all purdy-like for gift giving!
Materials
any cotton scrap yarn you have hanging around (I used I Love This Cotton)
4mm crochet hook
tapestry needle
scissors
Stitch Abbreviations
ch(s) | chain(s)
ehdc | extended half double crochet
FO | fasten off
rem | remaining
rep | repeat
sc | single crochet
st(s) | stitch(es)
yo | yarn over
Special Stitch (ehdc)
yo, insert hook, yo, pull through, yo pull through 1 loop, yo, pull through rem loops
Size
As written, this pattern will create a 7-7.5" square cloth. Feel free to adjust the size as needed or desired. No sequence or repeats are involved, so just add as many sts and rows as you'd like to achieve the size you wish.
Additional Notes
turning ch 2 does not count as a st
start with whatever color you'd like and simply change colors randomly as you run out of yarn
to join new yarn, I recommend a magic knot for a very secure transition from one color to another, and to avoid weaving in any ends.
Pattern
Foundation | ch 32 -- (32 sts)
Row 1 | ehdc in 3rd ch from hook and in each ch across, turn -- (29 sts)
Row 2 | ch 2, ehdc in each st across, turn -- (29 sts)
Row 3-17 | rep Row 2; on last row, do not FO and continue immediately to border
Create a border of sc sts evenly around your work being sure to work 3 sts in each corner. FO and weave in ends. I personally like to use an invisible join method to FO my own work.
There are many border options you could choose for this cloth that would be really pretty, so feel free to play around with this part to personalize them even more to your own taste and creative liking.
If you wish to have a detailed 11-page pdf printable version of this pattern to keep — that includes detailed instructions and photos for the stitches, magic knot, invisible join, and 4 of my favorite border options — feel free to grab the pattern on Ravelry or Etsy.
If you're not a maker, but wish to gift some Wild Card Cotton Cloths to a friend or family member for Christmas, birthday, Mother's Day, teacher gift, etc, click here.
To download the decorative packaging wraps, click here.
Shop + Make
I'd love to see how your projects turn out and support your maker journey, so don't forget to tag me on your photos @thecozyknot and use the hashtags #thecozyknot and #wildcardcottoncloth in your post captions so I don't miss your makes and can share them with my community.
Copyright
All pattern images/content on this site are/is copyright protected. Patterns are for personal, non-commercial use only, and are the sole property of The Cozy Knot and Tanya Johnson. It is only through your amazing kindness and integrity that I’m able to do what I do. I appreciate you! Thank you!
If you choose to sell items made from any of my patterns (either paid patterns or patterns free on the blog), do not use my photos as your sales photos. You are required to credit me as the designer of your product for pattern rights using the information below. Please paste it into your seller listings or wherever you choose to market/sell your product(s) - whether this be online or in a physical space (shop/market/etc.)
Pattern Design: The Cozy Knot/Tanya Johnson www.TheCozyKnot.com
Permission for any kind of mass/factory production of items NOT granted. Permission for any kind of video tutorials using my patterns NOT granted.
For full details on pattern policies, click here.
